End current revenue account diversions
By State Rep. Jeff Leach
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas There is no question that
transportation improvements are critical to the continued success and quality of life throughout the Lone Star State. Surprisingly transportation spending as a percentage of the state budget has
decreased exponentially over the past 30 
years while population growth has skyrocketed. Rather than
adding onerous tolls to existing free roads I believe it is incumbent upon the Legislature to re-prioritize transportation as a whole in the state budget process.
Last week I was honored to stand alongside our Collin County Judge Keith Self during a presentation to the Texas Transportation Commission to express our strong opposition to the Texas Department of Transportations current proposal underway that would convert the existing Higher Occupancy Lane (HOV) on Highway 75 into a managed toll lane for Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOV).
As mentioned in recent coverage by the
Dallas Morning News much of Collin County is surrounded by toll roads rendering us a gated community and adding another burdensome toll would essentially result in tolling every major stretch of highway in Collin County.
As State Representative for the majority of this stretch of highway which I consider the backbone of District 67 I will continue to advocate on behalf of my constituents taxpayers and commuters for common sense fiscally conservative and sustainable solutions to reduce and relieve congestion.
As I have stated from taking the oath of public office one of my top priorities in the Texas Legislature is to adequately and responsibly invest in our states growing infrastructure needs.
Simply put I believe the Legislature owes it to hardworking Texans to take bold steps next session by having a real debate early on in addressing our funding needs.
Furthermore there are many ideas on the table that go a long way towards filling this funding gap such as ending diversions while dedicating certain revenue accounts towards the funds intended use. For instance both motor vehicle sales tax and auto parts sales tax flow into the states general revenue fund to certify the state budget and are later distributed to an assortment of state programs unrelated to transportation projects.
I believe this money should be allocated to maintain and improve roads. Period. Ending current diversions and dedicating these respective revenue accounts towards roads would ultimately satisfy our transportation shortfall and merit deliberate consideration during the next Legislative Session.
In closing I will continue to send periodic updates on the proposed managed toll lane on Highway 75 and I encourage you to contact my office with any questions or concerns you may have.
As a steward of your hard-earned taxpayer dollars I highly value your input and remain committed to advocating for common-sense responsible solutions in addressing our growing infrastructure needs.
